Cornish housing developer slammed for 'racist' name for new home

A housing developer has been slammed for naming a new house 'The Emmett'  - a term dubbed 'racist' by some to describe tourists in Cornwall.

The developer insists the name 'Emmett' has nothing to do with the Cornish dialect word 'emmet', a highly controversial term often used to describe holidaymakers or tourists descending on the region in droves.

The Emmett is being built by Linden Homes, part of the Vistry Group, in a development at Longrock, Penzance - ironically a huge tourist trap.

The term 'emmet' has been highly criticised in the past and even dubbed racist by some, though others think it is amusing and affectionate.

A road sign for Hayle in Cornwall was recently covered in graffiti including 'EMMET'S (sic) DIE' and 'EMMET'S (sic) R A CANCER'.

One anonymous resident said: 'Linden Homes at Longrock Penzance are calling their new home range The Emmett. Sense of humour? Or total lack of awareness?'

Another said: 'Linden Homes down in Longrock have just sent me a flyer trying to sell a house from their range called the 'Emmett'. Really you could not make it up. Either they are incredibly dumb or they have a sense of humour!'

A spokesperson for Vistry Group said: 'The Emmett (spelt with two Ts) is a type of house built nationally by Vistry Group, the UK's biggest housebuilder. 

'It is common practice amongst all national housebuilders to give names to the types of homes they build.

'It is an unfortunate coincidence but has nothing to do with the Cornish 'emmet'.'

However, on Linden Homes' website the house type is spelled both ways, including 'Emmet' with only one t.

It reads: 'Generously sized, the Emmet offers high levels of natural light, great storage options and some very welcoming living spaces.

'Direct access from the kitchen/dining room into the garden provides the ideal opportunity to extend living spaces into the garden when the weather allows. While the large, bright living room is at the heart of the home.

'You'll love bedroom one which, together with its en suite, extends across the front of the home, and there are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.'

The three-bedroom properies come with a price tag of £315,000. Other home types on the development are called The Aldridge and The Everleigh.

Vistry Partnerships is building 154 homes as a mixed tenure scheme, delivering 46 affordable homes available for both social rent and shared ownership.. The remaining 108 homes will be sold on the open market under the Linden Homes and the Sanctuary brands.

It said earlier this year: 'The new development, named Morva Reach, will offer a collection of two, three and four bedroom homes and will be available to purchase using the a wide range of moving schemes.'

Peter Sadler, managing director of Vistry Partnerships South West, said: 'We are passionate about creating sustainable and vibrant new communities and are delighted to have joined forces with our partners, Sanctuary to deliver much needed affordable homes to Longrock.

'We are serious about tackling the South West's housing shortage and meeting local needs for affordable housing is key for Vistry Partnerships and that's why we are delighted to be working with Sanctuary.

'The increased number of affordable homes on this fantastic new development will help local people who have grown up in the area to remain local.'